Days after a triple homicide in the Park Duvalle neighborhood, community members rallied for peace Wednesday. But as dozens were preparing to bow their heads in prayer, the peaceful rally was interrupted.

LMPD's Second Division Commander Maj. Jimmy Harper said it was a glaring indication of how much things need to change.

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"In the middle of this peace prayer, we have a pursuit go by where they're chasing gang members with weapons," he said.

The Rev. A. Russell Awkard, with New Zion Baptist Church, had organized the gathering.

"It was a stark reminder to what's going on in this community," he said of the interruption, adding, "Our church is committed to this community. We've been here 89 years."

It was just after 7 p.m. when members of the congregation walked one block to a home in the 1600 block of Louis Coleman Jr. Drive.

It's where three men were killed Saturday.

Michael Bass Sr., 44, who lived there, was killed. Two others from Baltimore, Maryland, John Bailey, 37, and Larry Thomas, 40, were also killed.

With the blessing of Bass' family, Awkard delivered brief remarks on the tragedy, calling it "the worst in these 89 years."

While the church's children used chalk to create messages of love and peace on the sidewalk, Awkard demanded that peace.

"We must get beyond talking about our problems. We must tackle them and resolve them," he said.

Harper also spoke to the group, urging citizens to work together with police. He said patrols will be increased, and many officers will be on foot.

"We have a wonderful group of officers out here. We are slowly changing the tide and changing what we are trying to do down here. We're going after the real shooters and the real gangbangers plaguing our neighborhoods."

Several metro council members were also on hand Wednesday, including District Councilwoman Jessica Green. She lives just five blocks from Saturday's triple homicide.

"I have three small kids, and I had to explain to them about how three people were slaughtered like animals in our neighborhood," she said, adding, "This is where I lay my head every night, where my children play. Something has got to be done and the tide has got to be changed."

Harper promised officers were doing what they could, because he knows residents are frustrated and fearful.

"I know people are tired of it. Our good citizens are tired of it, because they can't come out, they can't cut their grass, they can't sit on their porches. We've got to stop allowing people to live in fear," he said.

Police have not yet commented on a motive in Saturday's triple homicide. However, late Sunday, William Mason, 31, was arrested and charged in connection with the deaths.